Black Girls' Literacies: Urban African American Middle School Girls Find Voice in a Summer Learning Experience Through Digital Opportunities as Options

• In Event: 66.058 - Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: 66.058-18 - Black Girls Matter: Critical Literacies and Active Engagement in Schools

Abstract

Black adolescent girls participate in a summer learning program centered on writing with four components: writing our community, writing and science, music and writing, and writing and global awareness. Black girls used the power of the pen (and digital literacies) for the purpose of self-expression, personal enrichment, and academic requirements. This longitudinal case study examines in-depth the types of writing/literacies girls participate in during these experiences. The results of this study indicate that girls tend to consume the literacies, whereas boys tend to create literacies for themselves. However, compared to six years ago, girls are taking more chances with digital tools and volunteering for more active roles using technologies.

Author

• Tonya B. Perry, The University of Alabama - Birmingham